The customs broker is a very important person every time you import or export any product. By definition, it is a person who has acquired a license to act as an agent for the transaction of any business related to the exit or entry of transport or the export or import of merchandise at any customs station. Companies that import or export goods are often unaware of government rules and regulations and have no time to investigate these matters. Therefore, they appoint an agent to act on her behalf. However, all functions performed by the customs broker are administered by a government body known as the “Customs Broker Licensing Regulation.”

Today, almost all metros have customs agents. There are Ahmedabad Customs Brokers, Mumbai Customs Brokers, Delhi Customs Brokers and many more. However, to become an agent, the applicant must possess certain qualifications. Below are some requirements to become an agent.

1. The applicant must be a graduate of a recognized university
2. Applicant must have a Form G pass
3. You must have three years of customs clearance work experience.
4. Must have property of Rs. 1 lac or Rs 50,000 in cash verified by a registered bank
5. The applicant’s fidelity and financial status are also considered.

Apart from this, if there are too many license applications, the commissioner selects the applicants by seniority. Once considered licensed agents, they must perform certain duties and obligations specified by the licensing regulations. Some of the duties and responsibilities of an agent are:

• An agent can only clear the imported or exported goods against the approval of the principal and must also present the authorization letter when requested by the commissioner.
• An agent has to personally clear the goods and all documents prepared by him to clear the goods must have his name on the document.
• An agent is required to advise the client to follow all provisions of government law and other regulations.
• The agent is supposed to pay the government promptly for all duties and taxes received from the client.
• Agents must keep all financial transactions current. In addition, you also need to keep all the documents like bill of entry, shipping bills, etc. for at least five years.

Ahmedabad customs brokers and other agents today use computer software to create and submit various invoices online. This made his job much easier and faster. However, the software is free but requires registration of the agent’s website with ICEGATE.